In a freshly published personal account, called Ithaki, the ex- premier Alexis Tsipras spares no criticism while he examines that chaotic era during Greece's debt drama.
An Unconventional Choice
In Tsipras's version, he appointed the maverick academic Varoufakis as the finance minister primarily because of the latter's worldwide fame along with Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” abilities as a speaker.
“In reality, he was, in reality, more of a celebrity rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Conflicting Agendas
The former leader suggests how Varoufakis possessed a personal agenda that involved promoting his books as well as experimenting with his own theories using Greece rather than truly fighting for its financial survival.
Tsipras explained how those negotiations to stave off insolvency were “not just a method of achieving a better deal for the country. They became an experiment, a monumental opportunity to demonstrate the truth of his theories.”
High-Stakes Talks
Amid tense discussions, Greece came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line lay both the country's destiny but also the harsh austerity measures demanded in exchange for rescue loans by international creditors.
Failed Options
Efforts to secure funds elsewhere, including an urgent plea to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, were rejected.
Assisting Greece would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, Putin is reputed to have informed Tsipras in Moscow.
Referendum and U-Turn
In July 2015, the punitive conditions were subjected to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.
Even though the vote was carried decisively by those against austerity, Tsipras had little option but to reject its outcome then negotiate a bailout package with creditors which turned out to be tougher.
Breaking Point
Tsipras claimed that he started questioning Varoufakis relatively soon.
“He was the face of the talks, the figure who drew media attention, who graced the front pages of publications globally … it seemed he relished the spotlight.”
When Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan involving creating a secondary currency as well as distributing coupons to retirees, Tsipras knew that it was the end questioning him: “Can you be serious?”
Enduring Criticism
In the memoir, the author concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for an agreement that required intricate and delicate handling.”
He also claimed how Varoufakis's aggressive approach made him increasingly isolated with colleagues, endangered the country, and helped hardliners that were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has provoked anger along with shock in some quarters, whereas Varoufakis has kept a deafening silence regarding these claims.
